Internet Use Policy

Statement of policy: The Rusk County Community Library makes the Internet available as part of its continuing effort to ensure all members of our community has the right and means to free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental to democracy. Internet access shall be reasonable, fair and equitable to all users.

Disclaimer: Since the Internet is a global electronic network, there is no local, state, or federal control over its users or contents. It may contain inaccurate materials or materials of a controversial nature. The Rusk County Community Library does not monitor information accessed over the Internet and cannot guarantee the validity or accuracy of information found on the Internet. Library patrons are advised, as with all library materials, to exercise judgment and discrimination when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet.

The Library expects parents to monitor their children’s use of Internet resources as they do their children’s use of information resources in other forms.

The Library expects Internet users will:

Not make any changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware on Library computers.

Use these resources in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. Responsible use of such resources includes:

Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

Respecting the privacy of others by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.>

Further respecting the privacy of others by not interfering with their use.

Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.

Not sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as offensive or obscene.

Refraining from objectionable activities (a violation of generally accepted community standards or a violation of terms listed in this policy) while using the Internet.

The library will:

i. Provide time slots for Internet use at 30-minute intervals, on a first-come, first-served basis. Users may receive an additional half hour if no one is waiting to use a computer.

ii. Expect users to register with their library card. Visitors may use other valid identification which includes a photograph.

iii. Limit users to two hours per day.

iv. Deny access to the Internet to patrons who have fines of or above $10.00.

v. Charge $.15 per side per page for black and white printing. Color printing is $.50 per side per page.

vi. Assist patrons to the best of our ability.

vii. will inform users if the user(s) access any image(s) that is/are considered inappropriate. The user will be required to leave that web page. If there is a second complaint during the same period of use, the user’s Internet session will be terminated. Allow patrons one warning regarding inappropriate materials viewed on the internet. Enforce this policy by withholding Internet access privileges for the first infraction after the warning for ten days, for the second infraction 20 days and for the third infraction indefinitely. The Library will immediately revoke a user’s privileges whose acts or behavior jeopardize the library’s access to the Internet.